PADSpace Launch Complex 17A
SITECape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA →ORBITGeosynchronous Orbit
TYPECommunications
MISSION OVERVIEW
Early Bird, also known as Intelsat I, the world’s first commercial communications satellite, was built for the Communications Satellite Corporation (COMSAT) by the Space and Communications Group of Hughes Aircraft Company, later Hughes Space and Communications Company.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Thor Delta DAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Early Bird
MISSION TYPE
Communications
TARGET ORBIT
Geosynchronous Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 17ALAUNCH SITE
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 2715227c-d60f-472b-b022-dea0b78678b3
Reported date: Apr 6, 1965 at 23:47 UTC
Last synced: 17 minutes ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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VEHICLE — Thor Delta D →
MANUFACTURER
McDonnell Douglas
VARIANT
Delta D
FLIGHTS
2
SUCCESSES
2
SUCCESS RATE
100%
American orbital launch vehicle family with Thor first stage and a delta second stage.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Thor Delta D | Early Bird launch?
The Thor Delta D | Early Bird is scheduled for Tuesday, April 6, 1965 at 11:47 PM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for Early Bird?
The Thor Delta D | Early Bird mission uses the Thor Delta D rocket, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas. The Thor Delta D has flown 2 times with a 100% success rate.
Where is the Thor Delta D | Early Bird launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 17A at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Early Bird going to?
The Early Bird mission is targeting Geosynchronous Orbit.
Who is launching Early Bird?
The Thor Delta D | Early Bird is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Thor Delta D | Early Bird launch live?
Yes. Visit the launch detail page on Space Launch Live for embedded YouTube webcasts, replay videos, and links to live coverage from SpaceX, NASA, NASASpaceflight, and other channels.
LAUNCH TIMELINE
Mar 28, 2026 20:13 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 28, 2026 20:13 UTC
Launch date set: Apr 6, 1965 at 23:47 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United States Air Force
Mar 28, 2026 20:13 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 17 minutes ago
●Launch Library 217 minutes ago
Launch ID: 2715227c-d60f-472b-b022-dea0b78678b3
●Open-Meteo Weather1 day ago
Pad weather at 28.45, -80.57
Mission Profile
Early Bird was a Thor Delta D mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 17A, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA on April 6, 1965. The flight carried its payload on a communications mission to Geosynchronous Orbit. The launch was a success.